On the motorized canoe, just after landing in the Amazon.
Our first trip to South America was quite an epic one. We traveled to the Ecuadorian Amazon and the Galapagos over about 10 days. Here's a little taste of our adventure!
As much as I love traveling, I mostly despise the transit part of any itinerary, especially as it relates to air-travel. So, of course, my wife and I found ourselves dealing not only with one delay, but two, which possibly marks the last time that either of us will fly on AIRLINE NAME REDACTED.
Needless to say, the original annoyance became downright stressful once we realized that even with our full buffer day in Quito we were looking at the possibility of missing our flight to the Amazon. As a 6:50 pm departure became 11 pm, and then 12 am departure, this only looked more and more likely, so our hopes were not high as we boarded the flight for the third time, praying that we would not be asked to de-board again like the previous two times.
Thankfully, as soon as we landed in Quito, it was apparent that we were in expert care. We were quickly given all necessary boarding docs and then whisked through security (much easier for domestic flights in Ecuador) with an hour to spare. As I nursed a much-needed coffee, our sleepiness gradually became excitement as we realized that within another hour or two we would actually be in the Amazon. Before we knew it, we were on the plane and taking off right on schedule (which was a first for this trip).
Not such a small plane after all. Just landed in Coca. (Jeff Rottschafer)
Upon arriving in Coca, the relatively cool and dry weather was replaced by an ever-present humidity that had all the subtlety of a being encased by a wet blanket. But, we weren’t here to cool off, so after changing out of our jeans and light jackets we felt a little bit more appropriately clothed for the climate. Once down to fewer layers, we started to slather on the bug spray, but our guide was quick to point out that there were much fewer mosquitoes than the word “Amazon” tends to conjure (in my mind veritable swarms), and we especially did not need to worry about it while on the motorized canoe. He was soon proven to be absolutely correct.
I think for many, the idea of a “motorized canoe” may conjure up the image of a boat lazily paddling forward as you check out the sights, but this was anything but the case. After we had secured our life jackets (and I opened my beer), the vessel took off with all the force of a speedboat. As we propelled forward, the wind blew our hair around, the river splashed us with a constant mist and the driver quickly zipped the boat around submerged trees, sandbanks, and other hazards that probably would not be too fun to hit.
On the motorized canoe, just after landing in the Amazon. (Jeff Rottschafer)
Needless to say, this was not a time to scope out the natural scenery and wildlife, but rather just our transportation to get to more remote regions of the Amazon. We were treating the Napo River as our highway, which is exactly what it is to folks who live by the river. They make their livelihoods from it. You pass (and are passed by) enclosed speedboats, luxury cruise liners, oil tankers, villages and the locals who live there.
But this all changed after landing at the dock for La Selva EcoLodge. After docking and taking a short walk through the jungle, we arrived at another smaller canoe, this time sans motor. Almost instantly the hum and “bustle” of the Napo River was replaced by a feeling of being deeply immersed in nature, in a way that even a Montanan can feel in awe about. As we slowly were paddled down the blackwater stream, a hush fell over our group as the previous sounds of the motor were replaced by those of the jungle. We felt like we had been transported back in time surrounded by the sounds of seemingly prehistoric birds and bugs, as the trees shook and swayed around us. This was definitely the jungle now, and it made itself pretty clear that we were in its world now.
Feeling surrounded by the jungle as we paddle to La Selva. (Jeff Rottschafer)
Cruse ship was great. Fantastic food and service. Cruise itinary got changed so not what we expected, but not an major issue. Japan portion was great. Drivers/guides arranged by 80 Days were great. Hotels were mostly ok. Did not know that most hotels outside of major cities do not allow shoes to be worn in the hotel. again a minor inconvenience. Overall a great trip. Adventure Life communications were timely and much appreciated as far as changes/requests.
Peter Goff
2 days ago
We were a group of three that initiated our research by independently searching for the best agency to help us in the somewhat complex experience of traveling to the Galapagos. We chose adventure life because they were the most responsive in the website provided the most comprehensive overview of the trip. Their reviews were also very good.
Adventure, life splits up its booking process in two parts. First Jeff, the booking agent helped us decide which experience best suited are interests. We chose a small 14 to 16 group sized yacht. Once the booking was made with Jeff, we were handed off to Coleene, who oversaw the complex process of assembling all of the necessary documents and making sure we had everything we needed to make the trip go smoothly. The adventure, life website, then becomes your personal place of reference for all things related to your trip from door to door. It’s a lot of information to assemble, especially for three travelers, but the website makes it easy and Colleen‘s gentle reminders kept us on track. In all, from the beginning, we had four months from the time we started our research till the time we departed. We felt that was, a good amount of preparation time and don’t think it would be wise to do it in less than four months. Mostly because I think you have more options with that amount of time. There were others on our trip that took six months and more from the time they started planning.
The trip itself was outstanding. We ended up on an excellent yacht (Galapagos Angel II) with a great group of guests that we were able to connect with and put together a really nice google photos album to share.
Jed
1 week ago
Mary was very helpful. Quick to reply with helpful information and closure on arrangements.
Nicola Maxwell
1 week ago
Mary Curry and Elma are always so responsive and nice to deal with.